The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds Reviews

The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds is ranked in the 99th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
9 / 10
Nov 14, 2013

Though A Link Between Worlds may not become an enduring classic through the decades like A Link to the Past, it stands as a worthwhile successor and a modern masterpiece in its own right.

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9.5 / 10.0
Nov 14, 2013

Since it follows the roadmap so closely, it’s not quite as fresh as the SNES classic was in 1992, but that doesn’t make it any less of an amazing experience. A Link Between Worlds is a delightful adventure that hits every high note a 2D Zelda game has ever produced while creating many new hallmarks of its own. In a year filled with quality 3DS games, A Link Between Worlds is another fantastic entry on a system that is quickly becoming home to a number of instant classics.

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94 / 100
Nov 14, 2013

A Link Between Worlds is one of the 3DS’s best games and a new highlight in one of Nintendo’s most storied franchises.

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10 / 10.0
Nov 14, 2013

It rewards those of us who know A Link to the Past’s version of Hyrule like the back of our hand, but makes enough concessions for those who didn’t play the original the first time around. It may be a shorter and less challenging adventure than many would expect for a modern Zelda game, but when that journey is so incredibly satisfying, you won’t feel short changed. I can’t think of a better way to end a brilliant year for the Nintendo 3DS than by playing one of the best games released on the system so far.

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8 / 10.0
Nov 15, 2013

The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds has the difficult task of respectfully building on an old game while doing a lot of new. The game mixes the Old and New in a great way. You'll feel right at home in A Link Between Worlds.

Review in Dutch | Read full review

8 / 10.0
Nov 15, 2013

A Link Between Worlds does do just enough to stand on its own merits.

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Spaziogames
LoreSka
Top Critic
9 / 10.0
Nov 16, 2013

The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds is a game that pays homage to the titles of the past with some innovative mechanics. As in a journey between two parallel worlds, we feel constantly tossed left and right between a gameplay that is no longer there, and some exquisitely contemporary mechanics.

Review in Italian | Read full review

Polygon
Top Critic
9.5 / 10.0
Nov 16, 2013

A Link Between Worlds is the sequel I never knew I wanted

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Nov 17, 2013

It looks great in 3D but there's no getting around the fact that the new Zelda adventure is very much like all of the others

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Nov 18, 2013

'A Link Between Worlds' blends old and new by combining a classic feel with an innovative and game-changing new feature.

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9.8 / 10.0
Nov 19, 2013
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IGN Italy
Top Critic
9 / 10.0
Nov 20, 2013

A Link between words is a delightful trap - it starts beautifully revamping the A Link to The Past IP, then it shocks you with some lovely twists and saga firsts. It's a "back to the roots to look to the future" vibe which is hard to resist.

Review in Italian | Read full review

games(TM)
games™ Team
Top Critic
9 / 10
Nov 21, 2013

A Link Between Worlds is a remake and a sequel, then – both a tribute to a classic and a worthy successor in its own right. For all the changes, it’s still recognisably Zelda, and a legend this powerful can comfortably bear another retelling.

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Nov 21, 2013

The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds is a sentimental game that skates off its predecessor's successes, but is so good at doing so one hardly minds. A few neat new tricks and a beautiful visual style help make up for the game's more frustrating hurdles.

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Kotaku
Top Critic
Yes
Nov 22, 2013

A fresh direction for the franchise, dressed up as an older game so we don't feel all awkward about it.

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Nov 22, 2013

The three-dimensional experience made possible by the 3DS is an essential part of the game itself, providing the best use of the effect on the console to date. The entire world and its inhabitants are molded with this experience in mind, and the result is a flawless addition to the Legend of Zelda series, and arguably the best in many years.

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ZTGD
Top Critic
9.8 / 10.0
Nov 25, 2013

For those who never played A Link to the Past, A Link Between Worlds is simply an exceptional game. For those like me who have fond memories of the original though, it feels like a carefully crafted love letter. Being able to explore an old world with a new twist was an absolute treat, and I loved visiting places and characters that I remembered from before, as well as discovering new ones. From the first musical notes of the opening to the last boss fight, the game is classic Zelda, and as soon as I finished it I was ready to start all over again. Simply put it’s one of the best games available on the 3DS or anywhere else, and it’s a must play.

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96%
Nov 25, 2013

A new Zelda that will set the standard for years to come.

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6 / 10.0
Nov 26, 2013

Same old, Same old. Bring back Moosh and implement some new ideas. Zelda is a wearing franchise.

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9.5 / 10.0
Nov 26, 2013

Without a doubt, this is the best Zelda game in a decade, and maybe even the best one since Link to the Past was released 22 years ago.

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